A different dance for Sheffield Morris Men

Morris Men are on the move tomorrow – with their traditional Sheffield dancing spot unavailable this year.

Sheffield City Morris Men have for over 30 years celebrated New Year’s Day with a performance on the forecourt outside the Cathedral on Church Street.

But due to continuing rebuilding work that isn’t an option this year – so the group are to dance outside the Catholic St Marie’s Cathedral on Norfolk Row instead.

The performance will begin at noon and will last for around half an hour.

Squire Dominic Rice said the Morris Men were not easily discouraged.

“We like to think that our tradition starts the new year off on a good footing and helps to bring health and prosperity to Sheffield and its citizens in the year ahead.

“It is good that Sheffield, like Liverpool, has two cathedrals. So with admirable ecumenical spirit we will be making a short hop across the city to dance outside St Marie’s.”

After the dancing the Morris Men will move on to The Gardener’s Rest in Neepsend Lane to lead some festive singing.

The group is always on the lookout for new members, with practice sessions each Monday evening from 7.45pm at the Burton Street Centre in Hillsborough, with a session afterwards at The Gardener’s Rest.

Dominic added: “If anyone has ever had the merest inkling that they would like to have a go at Morris dancing, they should come along and have a try.”